HIV-Tuberculous Meningitis Co-Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2021;22(7):960-968. doi: 10.2174/1389201021666200730143906.

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected persons are at a higher risk of developing Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of TBM-HIV co-infection. We systematically searched Pubmed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane library databases from January 1, 2000, to January 31, 2017, to find relevant studies. We employed the random-effects meta-analysis model to estimate the pooled prevalence of TBM-HIV co-infection. Twenty-six eligible studies showed the prevalence of HIV in TBM patients. In the pooled analyses, the prevalence of HIV was 30% (95% CI: 12-47) in patients with confirmed TBM, and 12.1% (95% CI: 7.3-19.2) in patients with suspected TBM. This study shows a high prevalence of TBM-HIV co-infection. Establishing proper diagnostic criteria and preventive measures for TBM infections could assist in the prevention and management of TBM infection, particularly TBM-HIV co-infection.

Keywords: HIV; Meta-analysis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; TBM; meningitis; prevention.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Coinfection / diagnosis*
  • Coinfection / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / epidemiology*